The Knockout | Episode 18 (Clip) | iQIYI Philippines
The Knockout Photo: VCG
The Knockout Photo: VCG
No matter how some US media outlets use malicious labels to describe Chinese anti-corruption dramas, one thing is indisputable: The US, under the current corrupt political system and toxic political environment, will never be able to produce a similar drama that can resonate strongly with the public.
A February 18 article in Foreign Policy, entitled "China's Newest Action TV Show Is a Propaganda Hit," laid its eyes on the recent hit Chinese TV series The Knockout. It argues that "at base, The Knockout is a tribute to Chinese leader Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign," adding that the TV drama is "part of a broader campaign to popularize propaganda in Chinese film and TV."
The Knockout is among a number of Chinese dramas under the theme of anti-corruption that have received positive reviews and high ratings in China in recent years. The popularity of these series reflects the Chinese public's particular interest in the country's campaign against corruption.
Chinese officials often play a pioneering role in society. As China has a massive officialdom system, how these people behave is closely linked to the ethos of the whole country. It can even be said that, to a large extent, the fight against corruption in China determines the future of the Chinese system.
The Chinese anti-corruption hit dramas are a projection of the country's anti-corruption achievements under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in the cultural field. It also demonstrates that China's anti-corruption efforts have been well-acknowledged by the Chinese people.
The success of China's anti-corruption campaign has purified the country's political system, making the society healthier and more vibrant. It has earned more prestige among the people for the Chinese government and the CPC, enhancing the cohesion of the society.
Yet, based on ideological judgments, some Western media have labeled China's anti-corruption dramas as "propaganda." They obviously view China's political environment through tinted glasses as usual and nitpick China's achievements. This only exposes their extreme strategic selfishness and dark mind.
If we take a look at the popular US series that focus on their politics, such as House of Cards, what we will see is the exchange of political interests and the struggle for power in the US. This mirrors the dirty, dark and degenerate side of the US game for power. However, unlike the celebration of anti-corruption achievements in Chinese dramas, these series give viewers only a strong sense of powerlessness.
Fan Peng, a research fellow at the Institute of Political Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times that the relationship between individual officials and the official system is like the one between trees and forests. The one who fights corruption is exactly the "owner" of the forest, the CPC. Aiming at the whole forest, it tries to eliminate all the rotten trees. Such a dynamic force is the core of China's anti-corruption effort.
But that's not the case in the US, a country plagued by systemic corruption. Their ideology leaves no space for self-correction or self-revolution, Fan noted. This makes it impossible for Washington and its politicians to handle corruption the way Beijing has been doing.
Showing no hope of change or improvement, series like House of Cards can only strengthen the US public's perception that their government and politicians are terrible in nature, continuing to lower their trust in Washington and US politics.
Just look at how US politicians reacted in several recent series in the US. In the dispute over a "wandering balloon" with China, some of these people displayed extreme hysteria and unreasonableness. In the Ohio train derailment, some were either indifferent to the health and safety of the people, while some started their playacting only after the incident had made headlines, acting as if they valued the public's interest. Which type of these politicians cannot be found in House of Cards? How can Americans believe in the US system in light of this?
Fan says that another major premise for China to produce anti-corruption dramas is that the literary and art circles in China create cultural products from a position of righteousness. The US can celebrate individuality and rights, but no one dares to challenge corruption from a social justice perspective.
"The US is so torn up that all of its narratives come from only parts of its society. There is always otherness in such a narrow perspective. Therefore, one should not expect the US to produce a drama like The Knockout," Fan noted.
Why was Muhyiddin Yassin so power-crazy that he willingly betrayed friends and allies in Pakatan Harapan, leading to the collapse of the democratically-elected government after j……
How The Ex-PM Solicited RM4.5 Billion Bribes In RM92.5 Billion Covid-19 Stimulus Scandal..
Why was Muhyiddin Yassin so power-crazy that he willingly betrayed friends and allies in Pakatan Harapan, leading to the collapse of the democratically-elected government after just 22 months? Why was he so obsessed with power that he didn’t mind being laughed as the first backdoor prime minister? Why was he so daringly ignored multiple royal decrees, just to cling to power during his 17-month regime?
Why was the former premier so afraid of sharing power with Pakatan Harapan leader Anwar Ibrahim despite a royal decree by the King to form a unity government following the 15th General Election that produced a hung Parliament? More importantly, why is Muhyiddin’s Perikatan Nasional still desperately and shamelessly wants to snatch power through backdoor again?
All the answer can be found after the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) arrested a chief executive officer of a private company on Thursday (Jan 5) night. The 42-year-old man was detained over his role as “middleman” in brokering government projects related to Covid-19 stimulus packages worth RM92.5 billion (US$21 billion) in exchange for bribes.
The suspect – Adam Radlan Adam Muhammad – turns out to be Muhyiddin’s right-hand man. A former chief executive of Maju Assets Sdn Bhd, Adam is also Segambut divisional leader of Muhyiddin’s political party – Bersatu (Malaysian United Indigenous Party). The best part is Adam is the cousin of Muhyiddin’s son-in-law, Muhamad Adlan Berhan, who in turn was involved in several scandals.
Adlan married to Muhyiddin’s daughter, Nabilah, who is a shareholder of Agathistwo Jia Sdn Bhd, a company involved in the scandalous RM1.2 billion NIIS (National Integrated Immigration System) concession. The NIIS was hatched by Muhyiddin (then-Home Minister under the Pakatan Harapan government) after cancelling its predecessor Sistem Kawalan Imigresen Nasional (SKIN).
Muhamad Adlan was also linked to 1BestariNet, a 15-year project worth RM4.47 billion introduced by then-Education Minister Muhyiddin in March 2011 to provide 4G broadband connectivity and virtual learning environment (VLE) to 10,000 government schools nationwide. However, the “failed project”, awarded to YTL Communications, has been plagued with slow internet access and problematic Frog VLE, which could easily be replaced with Google Classroom.
Adam Radlan’s involvement in Muhyiddin’s web of cronyism, nepotism and corruption was exposed after Muhyiddin-led Perikatan Nasional coalition failed to form a government post 15th General Election. And this is precisely why the former backdoor prime minister desperately wanted to return to power by hook or by crook – to “cover up” the skeleton in the closet.
So, how did Mr Mahiaddin (Muhyiddin) become billionaire during his 17-month short stint as 8th Prime Minister? From the beginning, he saw the golden opportunity to make tons of money from the Covid-19 pandemic. Unlike his former boss Najib Razak, he did not need a complicated project like 1MDB to steal and plunder the national coffers. He just needed to rule with absolute power under a State of Emergency.
It was Muhyiddin himself who bragged in April 2021 that the Perikatan Nasional backdoor government under his leadership has splashed more than RM600 billion (RM340 billion in economic stimulus packages and RM322.5 billion for the 2021 Budget to fight the Covid-19 pandemic). The scam was to boastfully create a narrative that massive of funds were used to help people and rescue the economy.
But when opposition Pakatan Harapan return to power after the Nov 2022 national election, all his lies and corruptions are exposed. Newly crowned PM Anwar revealed at a media conference on Dec 5 last year that the Finance Ministry had informed that there had been several breaches involving the Covid-19 funds. Panicked, Muhyiddin screamed that he did not steal any money.
Suddenly, Muhyiddin admits there was no such thing as RM600 billion, contradicting his previous claims. He said it was only RM530 billion. Even then, he played down the numbers. Spilling the beans, he said his administration had only spent RM83 billion in fiscal injections. This means Muhyiddin’s government did not actually help the people to the tune of RM530 billion as shamelessly trumpeted.
However, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has confirmed it will now focus its investigation on the RM92.5 billion directly funded by the Muhyiddin regime after it was established that RM437.5 billion was not from the government. Still, the difference between MACC’s RM92.5 billion and Muhyiddin’s RM83 billion means about RM10 billion might have gone “missing”.
But there are already problems with the dubious spending of RM92.5 billion funds. Unlike Najib’s 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal, Muhyiddin used traditional low-tech tactic to enrich himself and his families. Adam Radlan was sent out as his representative to connect contractors with high-ranking government officials before projects were distributed.
After the MACC raided 8 government agencies and 9 companies in December 2022 as part of its investigation into the suspected misappropriation of RM92.5 billion by the Perikatan Nasional government during its 33-month rule, it was found that at least 5 middlemen of several companies were involved in obtaining projects worth between RM50 million and RM500 million through direct negotiations.
Contractors who have been questioned by the anti-graft agency admitted that they agreed to pay a commission of 3% to 5% to secure projects from those middlemen. But the fact that only Adam was arrested so far suggests that the Muhyiddin’s proxy could be the key man on top of the food chain. It would be interesting to see if other middlemen would turn witness against the corrupt ex-PM.
The commission means more than RM4.5 billion had been paid to Adam and his band of middlemen, who clearly collected the bribes on behalf of Muhyiddin between 2020 and 2022. But get your popcorn because the fun has just begun. About 90% of the projects obtained via direct negotiations had not been executed as no acceptance letters (P.O. or Purchase Order) were issued. What does this mean?
This means about RM4 billion had already been paid by contractors to Muhyiddin and his gang of crooks, but all the 90% projects cannot take off. The dirty money had been deposited into the account of a political party, believed to be Bersatu. Hence, Muhyiddin is in deep shit as the furious contractors might turn witness, not to mention the money trail leading to his party.
Perikatan Nasional, comprising mainly Bersatu and PAS Islamist party, had bet the wrong horse. It thought at worst case scenario, the same Malay-centric political parties – UMNO, Bersatu and PAS – would form a government again after election, the same way they did in March 2020 (Muhyiddin became the 8th Prime Minister) and in August 2021 (Ismail Sabri elevated as the 9th Prime Minister).
The contractors similarly had bet the wrong horse that Perikatan Nasional would be part of the federal government. Now, not only they won’t get the projects, the money they had paid disguised as “political funding” to Muhyiddin to fund his lavish election campaign, including buying Malay votes at RM350 per pop, have gone up in smoke. Muhyiddin has already pocketed RM4 billion – in offshore accounts.
While 3%-5% commission was solicited for Muhyiddin, the middlemen and government officials demanded at least RM200,000 for themselves just to grant a meeting with every contractor – “without guarantee” that they will get projects linked to the RM92.5 billion stimulus programmes. This is how everyone benefited from the gravy train during the backdoor regime.
A good example that leakages occurred was the RM7 billion contracts approved under the RM15 billion flood mitigation project that were awarded through direct negotiations (in exchange for kickbacks) to dubious companies like Mangkubumi Sdn Bhd. Exactly how could Mangkubumi won the deal when it has been involved in a court case for illegal money laundering as much as RM139 million?
Adam Radlan, who has since disabled his Instagram, is also a council member of the Tan Sri Muhyiddin Charity Golf Foundation. Without Muhyiddin’s protection, he was dressed in the MACC’s iconic orange suit and will be charged under Section 16(a) of the MACC Act 2009, which provides imprisonment for up to 20 years and a fine of up to 5 times the amount of the bribe, or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.
When Muhyiddin claimed that he was not afraid to be investigated, he lied. He was incredibly terrified, but as usual, trying to play poker with the new premier. Thinking PM Anwar was bluffing, he has even challenged the prime minister to prove it. The PM warned Muhyiddin not to challenge him as he has all the files and evidence. A month later, Muhyiddin son-in-law’s cousin has been nabbed.
The new unity government has not even started exposing how Muhyiddin obtained proceeds from gambling companies to help finance the 15th General Election campaign. Under Muhyiddin government, special lottery draws were increased from 8 to 22, despite the anti-gambling stance of Islamist party Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS), which is part of the ruling Perikatan Nasional coalition.
The special draws, designed to boost the government’s revenue, contributed RM80 million in extra revenue for the government in 1999 (the year it was first introduced during the premiership of Mahathir). Revenue reached as high as RM238 million in 2017, and averaged RM200 million a year in recent years – money that enabled Bersatu and PAS spent lavishly.
Another dumb person who kept shooting his own foot is former finance minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz. Trying to protect his former boss, he said there was nothing suspicious in the Perikatan Nasional-led government’s management of funds when it was in power. The clueless and incompetent Zafrul might have signed some documents that could come back to haunt him.
PUTRAJAYA: A country that believes in humanity and values like fair, just and effective governance – that is the Malaysia that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim envisions.
Calling it the Malaysia Madani concept, the Prime Minister said it was to ensure an equitable economy as well as good governance where leakages are prevented and public funds are prudently and justifiably spent.
Anwar said he did not intend to introduce a new vision or build a new “monument”, but the Malaysia Madani concept would be for leaders and the people to realise their responsibility towards the country.
ALSO READ: Anwar: No more racist or unfair policies
“Our aim is not just to strengthen the economy but also to ensure that the core values of ethics and morality that are accepted and propagated by all religions are practised,” he said when launching the concept at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre yesterday.
“I have great confidence that, with cooperation between the political leadership and the civil service, Malaysia will be able to regain its good name on the global stage.
“We do not want scandals, problems or racial and religious disputes.“Malaysia must be known as a Madani nation that is prosperous, fair and rejects any form of cruelty towards any individual or race.
“It must be a nation that is known for its renewed spirit,” he said when unveiling the Malaysia Madani concept.
Madani is an acronym for a policy that embraces six core values – keMampanan (Sustainability), KesejAhteraan (Prosperity), Daya Cipta (Innovation), hormAt (Respect), keyakiNan (Trust) and Ihsan (Compassion).
Anwar said the unity government’s plans took into account the global realities of today where there were uncertainties, complexities, contradictions and chaos.
He said the Madani concept was part of a strategic framework that was comprehensive and could absorb the changes in these post-normal times.
“The time has come for us to stop measuring human progress and successes just on economic growth.
“Growth and development must be attained through a larger context, through the humane economy which prioritises the needs of the people, especially the poor and the marginalised.
“They must be released from the clutches of poverty in a capitalist system that breeds inequality in wealth and living standards,” the Prime Minister said.
He expressed confidence that a democratic market economy based on social justice could help achieve this goal.
The issue of a humane economy had been deliberated in his The Asian Renaissance book more than two decades ago.
“Fast forward to 2023, I believe the theme is still relevant and, in fact, imperative to achieve a sustainable economic growth that cares for the people and can save the country,” he said.
On governance, Anwar said that while each political bloc that had governed the country had its own strengths, it was more important to eliminate the weaknesses.
He said bad management and the enrichment of small groups were the biggest weaknesses.
“I am confident that if there is good governance, we will be able to tackle the economic storm with confidence,” he said, adding that one way to stop leakages and mismanagement was for ministers to review the Auditor-General’s Report and rectify issues.
“If the political leadership and civil servants work hand-in-hand, between RM5bil and RM6bil of public funds can be saved, just from the Auditor-General’s report alone,” he said.
To boost the economy, the system and laws of the country must be upheld, with no favouritism or discrimination.
“If the government machinery functions optimally, and we resolve the issue of governance, God willing, the wheels of the economy will turn faster. We will see better and greater growth,” he said.
Also present at the launch were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Cabinet ministers and senior civil servants.
PETALING JAYA: Prime ministers come and go. And so do the snappy slogans that come with each leader.
Taglines such as Wawasan 2020, 1Malaysia, Malaysia Prihatin, Keluarga Malaysia, and now Malaysia Madani are not just punchy but important to present a prime minister’s brand and mark their legacy.
The slogans are used to identify a prime minister’s policies and political philosophy as well as encapsulate their image or brand, says National Council of Professors senior fellow Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir.
“Every time a new prime minister comes along, he will come up with his own slogan,” he said.
So far, no prime minister has chosen to continue with his predecessors’ slogans.
The practice of having a slogan or brand for a prime minister began with Datuk Seri (now Tun) Dr Mahathir Mohamad when he launched his Wawasan 2020, which envisioned a Bangsa Malaysia (Malaysian nationality).
ALSO READ:Anwar: No more racist or unfair policies
His successor, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, had his Islam Hadhari, followed by Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s 1Malaysia.
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s Malaysia Prihatin was the most recent, followed by Datuk Seri Ismail’s Sabri’s Keluarga Malaysia.
The latest – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Malaysia Madani – is very much on-brand with Anwar’s Islamic background, identity and philosophy.
“Anwar has chosen a theme similar to that of the Islam Hadhari. Both have Islamic elements,” said Dr Jeniri.
He said Anwar’s challenge would be to realise his brand effectively, and he would need the media and his communication teams to play their roles well.
While taglines are an important political marketing tool, they also bring an extra burden on the public purse to promote them, said Universiti Malaya’s Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi.
“For example, the Keluarga Malaysia slogan saw a lot of public spending to promote various related aspects throughout the tenure of the ninth prime minister’s (Ismail Sabri),” he said.
Awang Azman said slogans could leave a lasting and deep impression depending on the length of the prime minister’s tenure.
“Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad introduced the Wawasan 2020 concept in 1991. It left a deep impact because he was in power for a very long time, and it was even picked up by his successors to some extent,” he said.
Universiti Sains Malaysia professor of political sociology Prof Sivamurugan Pandian said the practice of using slogans was also done in other countries such as India and the United States.
“Slogans are important to set an agenda for any leadership, and the expectation is for others to react in order to understand the way forward, vision and mission through the tenure of any leadership.”
The best option for USA and the rest of the world is to accept that it is no longer the #1 world power. There is no way to stop China’s rise, unless USA goes to war with China in which case everybody loses.
But, as always, none of this is reported in the West. So most Americans, Brits and Europeans are unaware of the announcements that China has made regarding their plans and the actions that they are involved in.
It won’t be. It will simply lose its #1 position in the world. USA will remain a superpower for many decades to come.
China will overtake USA for the #1 spot, probably within the next decade or two. The reasons for this are many:
China
is an unstoppable economic juggernaut. It is already the world’s
largest economy by GDP PPP, and it is expected to surpass USA in terms
of nominal GDP by the end of this decade.
USA
faces numerous and daunting domestic problems such as deep and chronic
political division, crushing national debt, crumbling infrastructure,
unaffordable health care, unaffordable housing, mass incarceration,
rampant gun violence, systemic racism, extreme economic inequality, etc.
USA is failing in foreign policy. Just look at the recent Afghanistan fiasco. Look at Iraq and Syria.
China
doesn’t waste money on the military; it uses its money for economic
development. USA spends nearly a trillion dollars on the military, more
than the next 11 countries combined!
China
doesn’t waste energy fighting wars; it hasn’t fought a single war since
1979! USA has fought wars in Afghanistan, Bosnia, El Salvador, Grenada,
Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama,
Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, etc.
Countries are starting to move away from the US Dollar, turning to the Euro, Bitcoin, and even the Yuan.
China’s
Belt and Road Initiative is gaining massive influence around the globe.
In Latin America and Africa and Middle East and Central Asia and SE
Asia.
China engages ASEAN countries in trade through RCEP, the world’s largest free trade bloc.
China
is pursuing diplomacy throughout the Middle East rather than bombing
the shit out of the region. Recently, it signed a 25-year cooperation
deal with Iran. And China is negotiating with the Taliban for the future
of Afghanistan instead of invading and occupying the country for 20
years.
China has 4X the US population: 1.4 billion people. They are moving towards full development.
All for equal justice: Tuanku Muhriz (right) holding a copy of the ‘Upholding The Federal Constitution: The Judicial Thoughts of Datuk Seri Hishamudin Yunus’ with the author Hishamudin at the book launch. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: A more diverse and independent mechanism can be introduced when it comes to the selection of the five eminent members of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC), says the Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negri Sembilan.
Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir said the persons selected must not only be independent from any form of political influence, but also be inclusive, reflecting the diversity of our multi-racial society and the composition of the Federation, namely the Peninsular Malaysia states, Sabah, and Sarawak.
“The inclusion of members from diverse and independent backgrounds will allow more stakeholders to be represented, thus broadening the expertise in the judicial appointment process whilst maintaining the commission’s independence,” he said in his royal address at the official launch of Upholding The Federal Constitution: The Judicial Thoughts Of Datuk Seri Hishamudin Yunus here yesterday.
Also present at the event was Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat
The Negri Sembilan Ruler also reminded the audience of his recent address as the Chairman of the 260th Ruler’s Conference, where he emphasised the need to reform the existing judicial appointment process.
Tuanku Muhriz said while the main intention of the commission is to uphold the independence of the judiciary, it appears that its governing provisions may not be in accordance with such intent.
“As it stands, the prime minister appoints five of the nine members of the JAC.
“Under the Constitution, he also has the final say in the appointment of judges to the superior courts.
“We need to be guided by the principle of separation of powers of the Executive, the legislature and the judiciary.“To achieve this, some reforms need to be considered to strengthen the independence of the commission, and ultimately, the judiciary.
“We could introduce diverse and independent mechanisms when it comes to the selection of the five eminent persons on the commission,” he said, adding that he had also been advised that it is equally important for the Judicial Appointments Commission Act 2009 to be made part of the Constitution, and not remain as an Act of Parliament.
“I urge civil society and other stakeholders to take the lead for meaningful discussions to be taken to achieve this aspiration of judicial independence as a means to uphold the Constitution, the supreme law of the land.
“Lest we forget, the rakyat go to court to seek and obtain justice.
“Be it a criminal appeal, an appeal against the decision of the government or one of its agencies, or a private matter, the public sees the courts as their avenue to seek justice,” said His Royal Highness.
“It is no surprise that the recent political developments in Malaysia have led to many discourses on the Constitution.
“Matters pertaining to governance of the nation require us to consult and be guided by the Constitution,” he said.
“Our courts have observed that the Constitution is not a mere collection of pious platitudes.
“It is the supreme law of the land embodying three basic concepts, one of them is that the individual has certain fundamental rights upon which not even the power of the state may encroach.
“In this regard, the judiciary has a constitutional role to perform as they are the guardians of the Constitution,” he said.
On the book launch, he applauded Hishamudin, a former Court of Appeal judge, whom he described as someone who has “given his life to many provisions in the Constitution, especially those 10 relating to fundamental rights”.
“His years on the Bench are remembered for his integrity and independence, which paved his unwavering commitment to uphold the supremacy and sanctity of the Constitution,” said Tuanku Muhriz.
He added that Hishamudin’s decisions, including his many significant dissenting judgments are based on his appreciation of the law, where he had elegantly embraced the ever-evolving common law principles and applied them judiciously with the sole aim of delivering justice without fear or favour.
Currently an arbitrator at the KL Regional Centre for Arbitration, Hishamudin, 73, is a law graduate from the University of London who previously served as the Malaysian Court of Appeal Judge, Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Senior Federal Counsel, and the President of the Sessions Court.
With 45 years of legal experience, he has written more than 750 judgments in his illustrious career.
Here’s a look at the pay and allowances our elected reps get, and it’s a pretty sweet deal.
I AM writing this week’s column on Monday, a public holiday, courtesy of our newest Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
We can thank YAB for it but let this be his last “playing to the gallery” crowd-pleasing act. It was a nice but unnecessary gesture. In fact, it was more disruptive, especially to businesses and schools, than helpful.
Instead, what we need from Anwar and his government is hard evidence that they will be able to effect changes that can finally bring about Malaysia Baru. And it starts with how he assembles his Cabinet which he assures us will be lean and mean. But we also want ministers who are people of calibre, intelligent, efficient and with integrity.
On that, everyone – from politicians, commentators, academics and NGOs to retired civil servants and the public – has his or her take on it. Whether Anwar has had the time to watch or read the deluge of advice, suggestions and even veiled threats is something else. He’s keeping it very close to his chest; we don’t even know who his closest and most trusted advisers are.
Anyway, Aunty here will refrain from joining the “can I advise you something” cluster. Instead, inspired by Anwar’s promise to cut his and his minister’s salaries and allowances, I will take a look at how much our elected representatives are worth in terms of pay and allowances.
This is an issue that’s been close to my heart ever since I wrote a feature article published in The Star on March 31, 1989, in which I compared the rewards given to politicians versus civil servants.
Politicians were not entitled to pensions or gratuities until the passing of the Administration and Members of Parliament (Pensions and Gratuities) Act 1971.
That Act was repealed and replaced by the Members of Parliament (Remuneration) Act 1980 [Act 237] which provides for pensions, gratuities, benefits and allowances.
Various people, including MP for Muar and former Youth and Sports minister Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman, have raised the issue of pension entitlements and allowances for assemblymen, MPs and ministers, which Syed Saddiq claimed could exceed RM100,000 per month for some.
Both MPs and state assemblymen (adun) are paid salaries and enjoy many allowances and benefits. There is an even longer list of rewards for the PM, DPM and Cabinet ministers but due to space constraints, I will focus on what serving MPs get.
Now, there is no denying our elected representatives have a lot of work to do and they should be rewarded accordingly. But are they being over-compensated? What are these benefits and allowances?
You can find them in Statute Paper 235 of 1983 on the Official Portal of Parliament of Malaysia (bit.ly/malaysia_mp).
First off, an MP’s monthly salary is RM16,000. He/she also has a phone allowance of RM900 and a fixed travelling allowance of RM1,500 a month without the need to submit any claims.
An MP is also eligible to receive RM400 a day for attending Parliament and RM300 a day for official meetings, workshops, briefings, seminars, etc; a daily subsistence allowance of RM100 while on official duty within the country or RM170 outside Malaysia; food allowance of RM340 for every night spent outside the country; hotel charges of not more than RM400 a night, if the fixed allowance is not enough to cover all these claims.
There is also a “special payment” of RM1,500 a month for MPs who are not a member of the administration as defined under Clause (2) of Article 160 of the Federal Constitution, meaning he is not a minister, deputy minister, parliamentary secretary or political secretary.
If they travel by air on official business, they are entitled to business class seats and every month they get allowances for fuel (RM1, 500), toll (RM300) and entertainment (RM2,500).
They get a driver’s allowance of RM1,500 even if they don’t hire one, so they get paid for driving themselves. Extra benefits include getting a motor vehicle licence or a firearm permit FOC.
There are many other benefits like allowances for medical care, warm clothing, ceremonial and black tie attire; and loans for cars, housing and computers. All in, our MPs are pretty well looked after.
The above salary and allowances, which amount to at least RM25,700, while not really exorbitant, is still a very high income for most Malaysians. What’s more, MPs, after completing 36 months of reckonable service, get a pension after they turn 50.
That’s why it’s important we elect worthy persons to represent us in Parliament and state assemblies because we are their pay masters.
Besides, they are not expected to fork out any of this money to help their constituents. That’s where development funds and grants come in.
However, under both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan governments, whoever was in power discriminated against those in the Opposition in how funds for MPs were allocated.
In 2020, Pakatan government MPs reportedly received RM2mil for development, such as facilities for the community, another RM1.5mil for grants and donations, and RM300,000 to run their service centres. Sabahan and Sarawakian MPs got an extra RM500,000. Opposition MPs got a mere RM100,000 as development funds.
This is patently unfair. Citizens should not be punished for voting for who they want to represent them. Years ago, there were photos of roads being nicely paved in a Barisan constituency that ended right at the border of an Opposition-held seat.
That’s why there have been calls, including from Bersih chief Thomas Fann, that there should be equal constituency development funding. This can be institutionalised by new legislation to ensure the allocation of funds is dispensed by Parliament and not at the discretion of the Prime Minister’s Office.
One of the conditions of Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s government’s memorandum of understanding with Pakatan, signed in Sept 2021, was equal funding for all MPs. That should be still honoured and implemented under Anwar’s government.
If that is in place, we can judge how fairly, responsibly and with full accountability our MPs spend these precious funds for the betterment of their constituencies.
They must also show their attendance record, what they have raised or spoken on in the Dewan Rakyat. We can do that by making it mandatory for MPs and assemblymen to publish their report cards just before the annual Budget session in Parliament.
From my years as a journalist covering Parliament meetings, many MPs are seat warmers who hardly ever speak on anything, spend more time in the cafeteria and lounges and even leave before the day’s sitting has ended. That’s why the hall is often very empty, barely making the quorum of 26 MPs from the total of 222.
Fortunately, there are representatives who do take an active part in the Dewan Rakyat; who study new Bills and debate them; raise issues important to their voters and national interest and are really service oriented; they are on the ground and readily available to attend to the needs of their constituents.
These are the kind of dedicated, selfless MPs with integrity we want and we have no qualms about paying them well. Probably the finest example we have is former MP for Bukit Bintang Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye. In the present generation of MPs, the one seen as Lee’s most likely successor is the much loved and admired MP for Segambut Hannah Yeoh.
I started this column by saying I won’t tell Anwar who to appoint. But in the best political tradition of backtracking, I will say I do want to see Yeoh appointed to a meaningful ministerial post in the Cabinet.
The views expressed here are entirely the writer’s own.
One of the major reasons for this movement to even happen is the fact
that many of these ministers - majority of them viewed as incompetent
by Malaysians - have bloated salaries.
In 2020, it was revealed that on average, a Malaysian minister makes an average RM55,650 (US$12573) a month. Their salaries include travel,
entertainment, housing, and car allowances. And if you're a people's representative, you enjoy additional salary increments.
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